Latest news with #SakambariDevi
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Grand ‘Ashadha Purnima' celebrations held at Indrakeeladri
The Indrakeeladri, abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, resonated with devotion and vibrant cultural fervour on the occasion of 'Ashadha Purnima', as thousands of devotees participated in the 'Giri Pradakshina' organised by the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, here on Thursday. The goddess was adorned in a splendid 'Swarna Kavacha' (golden armour) and appeared to devotees in the form of Sakambari Devi, decorated with a variety of dry and fresh fruits, and vegetables. The temple's senior priest, Shivaprasad, alongside the vedic committee, and other archakas, performed the 'Saptashati Homam', 'Maha Vidya Parayanam', 'Shanti Paushtika Homam', and 'Kushmanda Bali'. Speaking on the occasion, temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik said that prayers were offered for timely rains, bountiful harvest, and the prosperity of the nation and the State. Over the three days — from July 8 to 10— approximately 36 tonnes of vegetables, fruits, and dry fruits were used to decorate the sanctum sanctorum and sub-shrines. Devotees were offered 'Kadambam prasadam', prepared with vegetables, free of cost throughout the celebrations. As part of 'Guru Purnima', also known as 'Vyasa Purnima', a special felicitation ceremony was held honouring spiritual teachers and Vedic scholars. Those felicitated included: Tangirala Venkateswara Ghanapati, vedic scholar from the Devasthanam; Shankaramanchi Shivaprasad, senior chief priest of the temple; Ahitagni Guntur Sri Ramachandra Somayajulu, vedic scholar from Krishnalanka. Mr. Seena Naik, along with his spouse, initiated the 'pradakshina' with special pujas and coconut breaking rituals. Devotional fervour marked the procession with performances of 'Kolatam' (traditional stick dance), bhajans, sankeertanas, cultural presentations, and vedic chants by scholars. The route passed through Ghat Road temple, Kummaripalem Centre, Vidyadharapuram, Milk Factory, Chittinagar, Kothapet, Brahmin Street, and culminated at Indrakeeladri, with thousands of devotees walking in reverence and seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Malleshwara. In conjunction with the full moon day, the temple witnessed the conclusion of the three-day 'Mahapurnahuti celebrations. The events included Kalashodvasana, Marjanam, Prasadam distribution, and the ceremonial conclusion (Utsava Samapti) of the festivities.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Indrakeeladri decked out in green as Sakambari festival gets off to a colourful start
The Sakambari Utsavams commenced with grandeur atop Indrakeeladri, where Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga is venerated in her nourishing form as Sakambari Devi, the granter of food and vegetation. Indrakeeladri has taken on a lush green hue, reflecting the Goddess's 'harita' (verdant) form. The main sanctum, Mahamandapam, and sub-shrines are richly adorned in green decorations, signifying the Goddess's compassion and nurturing aspect. The 'utsava murti' (processional idol) is also draped in green as per tradition on Tuesday. Devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and various parts of India are arriving in large numbers to witness and take part in this unique celebration, which will conclude on July 10. On the first day alone, approximately 50 tonnes of vegetables were used for temple decoration and preparation of Kadambam, the special prasadam associated with Sakambari Utsavams. The vegetables were voluntarily donated by farmers and patrons from Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts. The tradition of Sakambhari Utsavams was initiated on Indrakeeladri in 2007. To ensure adherence to scriptural norms, the temple priests and Vedic scholars had visited the Bhadrakali temple in Warangal, where similar festivals are performed annually, and replicated the practice at Vijayawada. Kadambam, a specially prepared prasadam made of vegetables, rice, and red gram, will be distributed free of cost to devotees from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the festival duration, temple Executive Officer V.K. Seenanayak informed. He inspected the Kadambam preparation site in the afternoon and issued key instructions to ensure quality and hygiene. Since inception, the festival has grown in scale, with local farmers and vendors voluntarily donating vegetables needed for the utsavam, including prasadam preparation. The temple is adorned with vibrant displays of vegetables and leafy greens. For the residents of Vijayawada, Kadambam prasadam has become synonymous with the Sakambari festivities — its wholesome preparation and devotional significance making it an eagerly awaited tradition. Temple authorities have ensured smooth arrangements for the devotees, and the EO has urged the public to participate in the festival with devotion and discipline.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Sakambari festival commences at Indrakeeladri
The three-day annual 'Sakambari' festival atop Indrakeeladri, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, began on Monday, with the presiding deity being decorated as 'Sakambari Devi' with fruit, vegetables, green leaves and flowers. As part of the unique tradition associated with Sakambari Devi, the goddess of vegetation and nourishment, the temple premises were adorned with a vibrant display of vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits. The first day of the festival witnessed the offering of nearly 10 tonnes of fresh produce, all of which were contributed by generous donors and devotees. The devotees from across the State thronged the temple to offer a variety of vegetables, including carrots, ladyfingers, cabbage and tomatoes. Many varieties of fruits and flowers were also used as ornaments to deck up the deity. A green canopy was spread on the pathway leading to the sanctum sanctorum from the ghat road, giving an entirely new appearance to the temple premises. Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made for the festival. The festivities began with traditional rituals and floral decorations marking the commencement of the three-day event. The inauguration ceremony was led by executive officer V.K. Seena Naik, Maha Mandapam, while over 200 individuals, including Vedic scholars, members of the Vaidika committee, temple staff, and volunteers, participated in the event. The executive officer highlighted the deep symbolism of the celebration, stating that the goddess represents nature and fertility, and decorating her with natural offerings is a prayer for timely rains and agricultural prosperity. He said that the temple follows this tradition each year from 'Ashada Shuddha Trayodashi' to 'Ashada Pournami', aligning with the agricultural season. He said that darshan for devotees will continue without any change in schedule throughout the festival. The festival will conclude on July 10, with 'Maha Poornahuti' and 'Kalashodvasana'. Temple officials expressed gratitude to all the devotees who contributed to the decorations and invited everyone to experience the spiritual vibrance.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Sakambari utsavams to begin at Indrakeeladri on July 8
The three-day annual Sakambari utsavams at Sri Kanaka Durga Ammavari Temple, situated atop Indrakeeladri, are set to commence with grandeur from July 8 to 10. During these three auspicious days, Goddess Kanaka Durga will be adorned and worshipped in the form of Sakambari Devi, the goddess of vegetation and nourishment. The temple will be beautifully decorated with a variety of fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables. Not only the main sanctum but also all sub-deities and the temple surroundings will be richly embellished with produce, symbolising the Goddess' blessing for agricultural abundance and prosperity. The Sakambari Utsavam, celebrated every year during the Ashadha month, draws scores of devotees seeking good health, plentiful harvests, and divine protection. The temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements to facilitate smooth darshan and to accommodate the influx of devotees expected during the festive days. On Monday morning, the temple's Executive Officer V.K. Srinanayak, Special Grade Deputy Collector, released the Sakambari Utsavam 2025 brochure in the temple EO office. It was attended by Executive Engineer K.V.S.R. Koteshwar Rao, Deputy Engineers Raviindra and Koteshwar Rao, Assistant Commissioner C.H. Ranga Rao, Supervisor C.V.N. Raju, and other temple officials.
